Candles > Professional Decorating Tips for Fireplace Mantels

Professional Decorating Tips for Fireplace Mantels

by: Kristene Markert

Although fireplace mantels were originally used for cooking and heating,

contemporary mantels have become the key focal point for setting the

decorative style and atmosphere of a room. You can utilize simple

accessories to enhance the room, or go all out with themed holiday

decorations to transform the entire space for any special occasion.

Paying attention to basic design elements such as color, texture, balance,

and size will help pull your decorations together into a beautiful display.

Getting Started

Professional designers often start decorating projects by jotting down ideas

for the mood they?d like to create, and then collect an assortment of items

to emphasize that style. They might not use everything they?ve found, but

having things on hand means they can play with different combinations until

hitting on the best design.

Spend some time considering how you?d like the type of event you?ll be

hosting. Are you having a flashy black tie cocktail party, or a relaxing

springtime brunch? Maybe you?d just like to find new ways to freshen up the

everyday look of a room? Either way, remember that different combinations of

colors as well as the style (Victorian, modern, retro, country) of items you

use will affect the overall mood of your room.

Choosing a Backdrop

To begin, you?ll want to select an item to be the focal point of the

display. Often this will be a painting or wall hanging that is placed on the

wall just above the mantel, or even resting on the mantel. You can even

change the focal point to match the occasion or season.

If you?d rather group several paintings together you?ll want to only use a

few items on the mantel itself to keep things from being overwhelming. The

larger the item or grouping the more attention it will draw. A mirror is

always a good choice to use as a large backdrop. It not only helps make the

room feel larger, but reflects and draws attention to the other pieces

you?ve placed on your mantel.

Don?t forget to light your backdrop. Whether you use candles or install spot

lighting, you?ll want to make sure that the focal point isn?t lost in the

shadows.

Placement & Shape

The next step is to create a ?path? for the eye to follow, moving from the

main focal point down and across the mantel. By using a variety of heights

and sizes, and even texture, you can develop an interesting landscape that

commands attention.

You can create a symmetrical design by centering one item on or above the

mantel, and surround it with a series of identical items on either side.

Each half of the mantel is a mirror image of the other. You can also layer

items by height, with shorter items overlapping larger pieces. This style is

often used to create a sense of formality.

Asymmetrical designs are usually the most popular, as they create a sense of

motion by having different items on each side of the mantle. The key to this

form is to keep the weight of items balanced visually. For instance you

might have two larger objects on one end of the mantel, with a grouping of

five small objects on the other end.

A radial design is created by placing objects around a central. The center

item, regardless of shape, acts as an anchor. This kind of arrangement is

best done similar to a symmetrical format; otherwise it can become too busy.

A layered look with lots of pieces and filler (such as greenery or garlands)

works well for fall and winter, but is often too heavy for other seasons.

One exception might be if your mantel is located in a large banquet or great

room with high ceilings, otherwise keep things minimal by leaving breathing

space between items.

Wrapping It Up

Whatever design style you select always be sure to follow safety precautions

when using the fireplace. Do not place any items too close to the hearth

itself, and use a protective screen to prevent ignition from sparks.

If you don?t actually use your fireplace that often try placing decorations

below in addition to on the mantel. You certainly wouldn?t want a black void

to detract from your display. A layered arrangement of white candles and

greenery can be stunning for any occasion, but you could also do something

as simple as a stack birch logs. Another alternative is to cover the hearth

with a painted fireplace screen.

There are hundreds of options to choose from when decorating your mantel,

but the same basic principles always apply. Using these designer techniques

can help turn a ho-hum room into a memorable space that can easily be

changed for any type of occasion.

About The Author

Kristene Markert is a writer and consultant for MissionStone.com; a

manufacturer of custom cast stone fireplace mantels that have been

featured on numerous home remodeling tv shows.

info@missionstone.com

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